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Chronic wounds do not heal in a timely manner and fail to produce anatomic and functional
integrity. They are a significant socioeconomic problem, costing $5-10 billion annually
in the United States. Maintaining a sufficient level of O2 is vital for tissue repair.
O2 is essential for bacteria killing, epithelialization, angiogenesis, collagen synthesis,
and matrix deposition during the reparative process. Chronic wounds typically lack
the oxygen necessary for these processes to take place. The use of O2, such as through
the administration of hyperbaric O2 and the application of topical O2 gas, to promote
the healing of wounds has been around since the 1960s. Yet, ways to optimize the use
of hyperbaric or topical O2 (e.g., O2 concentration and frequency and duration of
administration) are poorly understood as clinical success of these treatments varies.
Furthermore, experiments or clinical trials (especially for hyperbaric O2) can be
quite costly. Mathematical models can give us the ability to investigate treatment
strategies through computer simulations. The goal of this project is to further investigate
questions related O2 therapy for chronic wounds. How can we use oxygen treatment to
eliminate infections? Is there an optimal treatment strategy to promote re-epithelialization?
Can we use O2 therapy to minimize scar tissue formation? Under what conditions might
hyperbaric O2 be a better treatment strategy than topical O2, or vice versa?